[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by big guy

Bigger than Ocala but I have to go to Ocala to Dillards, DSW, Chipotle, Harry's, Macy's, etc. Every shopping plaza in TV has the same stores. But we don't have to go far for a mattress!!

Do you really think Harry's will open here?

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Originally Posted by NYGUY

The population of The Villages is greater than Ocala (59,000) and Leesburg (23,000) combined.

I think that you can toss in Fruitlad Park, Summerfield and Bellevue as well. It makes me wonder why more businesses are not relocating from those areas closer to us.

[rubicon]

Some say it is all relative. Some say it is a matter of perception. Some say if you moved from New York or another big city adaptability is much easier. Some say they are grateful the Developer built this wonderful place for them. Some say this is a paradise. Some say this is Florida so expect the expansion to continue.

In my world view all that matters to me is where I live and where I live is all I compare. Where I live determines my quality of life. Where I live wasn't developed for me personally. It was developed to demand above the market value for a mythical lifestyle. Public Squares are a novelty at first but primarily for tourists. Where I live once had no more than 50,000 people and in the off seasons months you could breathe a little sign of relief. No more no longer. Where I live now is always crowded and will get even more so from September to December and then in January until May appears to double in size of that population from September to December. Where I live is referred to as paradise but my definition of paradise doesn't include 1 to 1.5 hours to get a table at a restaurant or traffic/cart back ups, or stores or restaurants that run out of inventory.... Where I live was suppose to be a retirement community for 55+ and not a vacation destination for people to utilize the amenities supported by my monthly amenities. Some would say if you don't like it move but picking up and moving is not like making a dime impulse purchase at the store.... beside which I am not one to mix emotion with finance

[Bogie Shooter]

There is always option "A".

[NJblue]

Too crowded is a relative term as others have said. It certainly is way more crowded than when we bought 8 years ago. While the infrastructure that is directly linked to neighborhood growth- village pools and neighborhood rec centers has kept up with the growth to some extent, the number of executive golf courses and regional rec centers has not. While getting tee times for a group on the executive courses 8 years ago during peak season was never an issue, it now is a major issue. To get a lane in the sports pool for walking or swimming was easy back then, it is now significantly more difficult. However, on the bright side, if your interests are in shopping, the more people that move here, the more stores open to accept their money.

It's still a great place ... just not as good as it was 8 years ago in my opinion, but probably better than it will be 8 years from now if the growth continues. Of course, for the 7-8 quiet months, it will likely continue to be great.

[Mleeja]

I think it depends on where you live will effect your perception of how crowded it is here in TV. I live north of 466 and I think it is more crowded than it was 2 years ago when we became year round residents. However we do not experience the traffic and waiting that those further south experience. Colony Plaza has to be the busiest place in TV. Maybe with the retail development further south will allievate some of the traffic at Colony. As with most of the things here in TV, being overcrowded is much in the eye and experiences of the beholder.

[Goober III]

We moved here long before they built the Savannah Center, when 466 was just a rutted two lane road, when the only dance floor was in a giant tent. Coffee was fifty cents and life was good.

The population then?...uh...maybe 15,000. We thought, "What a cute little town. Let's move here."

16 years later -- crowded? Oh my, yes. At least that.

Could y'all please leave? Thank you.

[Mrs. Robinson]

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr

I think that you can toss in Fruitlad Park, Summerfield and Bellevue as well. It makes me wonder why more businesses are not relocating from those areas closer to us.

Do you think that rents which are too high plus royalties on the store's receipts have something to do with the lack of businesses moving here?

There are empty stores in Brownwood that have been vacant for/ just about four years. What does that tell you???

[Miles42]

I don't think Brown wood was well thought out at. It is nothing compared with the other two.

[ColdNoMore]

Yes, it's too crowded during peak season.

No, I'm not one of those with the attitude of... "I got mine, you go somewhere else."

Everyone should be able to live wherever they choose...good or bad.

[RickeyD]

Originally Posted by Miles42

I don't think Brown wood was well thought out at. It is nothing compared with the other two.

Nothing more than an outdoor mall. Not very interesting.

[Greg Nelson]

Moving to TV is still a possibility although this year we're going to try Green Valley, AZ. My wife loves TV but for me the reasonable housing is WAY too close together. bing, bing bing..